Alex Smith

Smith appeared in 14 games, including four starts, in 2011 and collected 14 receptions for 131 yards and one score. Heading into the 2012 season he has Ben Watson and Evan Moore still ahead of him on the depth chart, and he may have to fight off Dan Gronkowski to be the team's featured blocking tight end.

Smith will battle with Robert Royal for the final TE spot on the roster.

The Pats have added Smith and Chris Baker to a mix that already included Ben Watson and David Thomas. The acquisition of Smith means that the Pats are stacked at another position on offense, but good luck picking the best fantasy option week to week. Keep an eye on this situation because if QB Tom Brady finds a favorite within the group, then there's some sleeper potential to be had.

The Buccaneers were slightly below league average in throwing to their tight ends in 2007, but Tampa tight ends caught nine touchdown passes (4th in NFL), tying for first in the league in terms of percentage of a team's receiving touchdowns. If only Smith were the beneficiary of all that largesse, we might have a bigger fantasy prospect. Smith shared the position with Jerramy Stevens in 2007 and will be challenged by Ben Troupe in 2008.

The Buccaneers ran a lot of two tight-end sets with Smith and Anthony Becht sharing time last year. With the job share, Smith’s production has bubbled just below a league-average starting tight end. Jerramy Stevens was added in the offseason, so it’ll be even more crowded this season. The team’s wideouts last season weren’t stellar, and once the quarterback job fell to Bruce Gradkowski the entire passing game was in trouble. Smith developed a nice rapport with Chris Simms in 2005, and that will help him this year should Simms beat out free-agent signee Jeff Garcia. An improved offensive line means the tight ends will not have to block all the time, which could result in more catches.

Smith played in all 16 games (10 starts) last season, was second on the team in targets and led all Buccaneer tight ends with 41 catches, 367 yards (22.9 YPG) and two touchdowns. He came on toward season’s end, becoming one of quarterback Chris Simms’ favorite targets, so look for further development between the two in 2006. Smith is a good athlete with decent speed, but he’s not especially quick and isn’t much of a downfield threat.

If he doesn't get hurt, Smith will likely overtake retread vet Anthony Becht to become Tampa Bay's number one tight end early this season. Smith is the type of tall, athletic, sure-handed target that Jon Gruden loves to have in the tight end spot, but hasn't had since he took over the Bucs. Grab this sleeper late in your draft.